Pepe Reina has revealed he was in turmoil playing for Liverpool just hours after his pal Antonio Puerta had died.

Reina claims Tuesday was the worst day of his life when he heard just before kick-off against Toulouse that his Spanish international teammate had lost his fight for life.

The Reds goalkeeper was jittery early on and says he found it difficult to focus during the Champions League qualifier because he was so shocked.

Reina got to know Puerta when the Sevilla defender won his first cap back in October in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden and the pair had become friends.

He still cannot believe Puerta has died at the age of just 22, leaving behind a girlfriend who is heavily pregnant with their first child.

"It was a tough moment before the game when we heard the news," said Reina.

"I just couldn't believe it and it was hard to play in the match after hearing this terrible news. I played with him in the national team and he was my team-mate. I send my sympathies to his family and my thoughts are with them at this hard time.

"This is the worst day in my life to know that someone who was quite close to me has died.

"I would like to dedicate our victory over Toulouse to Antonio."

Reina claims football is unimportant at times like this and the tragedy has brought home to him what is most important in life.

"This kind of thing can happen to anyone and this time it has happened to a footballer who was only 22," he said. "We have to be thankful for every day and to enjoy life.

It makes you realise that being healthy, seeing your family and children, are the most important things in life."

Reina still managed to keep his third clean sheet of the season as Liverpool went through to the group stages.